I took on a hall table project for a good friend. Making it out of old T&G knotty pine from his cabin. I did some samples in natural finishes and honestly, given where it is going, it needs to be darker. Sealing it first with Seal Coat, then playing with gel stains. It still sure ain’t perfect. Staining pine is a pain. Leaving a bit more gel stain on the surface is helping, but does dull the grain some.

As you all know, once that stain goes down, you’re committed...good or awful. The wood I was given isn’t consistent, and I’m a bit worried the samples won’t be the same as the real thing. I have no more wood to redo, if things go south.

Only thing to do is show him the samples, state all the risks and hope like heck he decides to go natural.

I just hate to have something I made in someone’s house that looks like crap.

I think I need counseling!